The further north you travel, the fewer people you're likely to run into. (Comstock)On a long weekend in summer, Ontario's famed Algonquin Provincial Park hosts about 25,000 campers -- about the same number as Mississagi Provincial Park receives all year.
The difference is largely a matter of longitude. The further north you travel, the fewer people you're likely to run into. If you are planning a camping trip this year, here's a list of Northern Ontario's family friendly provincial parks:
SLEEPING GIANT
This park is along the wild northwest shores of Lake Superior, Canada's "inland sea," with picturesque coves and cobble beaches. A backdrop of boreal forest is home to rare species of fauna and flora, including the woodland caribou. Day-use trails lead to iron-red cliffs, secluded inland lakes and remote sections of coastline.
OBATANGA
This park marks the headwaters of the Dog River, a favourite of Bill Mason, legendary filmmaker, author, painter and environmentalist. Many inland lakes provide excellent paddling routes, considered to be among the north's best-kept secrets.
KETTLE LAKES
Many tourists who take Timmins' famous gold mine tour use this park. But it is a destination in its own right with 22 lakes in a northern boreal forest, perfect for swimming and fishing. This is one of Ontario's unsung destinations for novice paddlers. Nearby trails are popular for back-country camping.
BLUE LAKE
Rated by many as the best family park in northwestern Ontario, not the least of its attractions is the crystal turquoise water of its eponymous lake. It features day-use trails and a perfect swimming beach.
MISSISSAGI
In-the-know campers don't even bother to make reservations at this underused park. They simply show up and find a selection of campsites. There are plenty of places to canoe, kayak and hike. The landscape ranges from 280 to 590 metres above sea level, making it one of the highest points in the province.
MARTIN RIVER
The gateway to Temagami's network of canoe routes, this park gives access to lakes bordered by giant old-growth white pines. Families enjoy a broad sandy beach with good swimming, and family oriented interpretive programs.
HALFWAY LAKE
This well-designed park provides secluded campsites. If you want to be adventurous you can take an overnight canoe trip to nearby smaller lakes.
MORE INFORMATION
Contact Ontario Parks, P.O. Box 7000, 300 Water St., Peterborough, ON K9J 8M5 or 1-800-ONTARIO ontarioparks.com.
Topic: Camping without crowds, Where to pitch a tent in Ontario's north (Read 1670 times)